Food Pantry News, August 2025

Dear friends,

Recently, one of the grocery stores that donates “distressed” produce included a stack of

inspirational notes with messages such as "Dream Big" and "You Shine!" We shared them on

the “free” table along with other miscellaneous items that do not fit in our categories of

staples. I wondered whether they would appeal to folks. Everything on the free table was

swept up. At the end of the day, a large stack of notes remained.

My thoughts have returned to these notes often over the past week. My first reaction

when I saw them was to feel sad. I wondered what it means to dream big when you are

at a food pantry. Does it mean you scored one of the coveted cakes from Costco? That

you were given the needed size of diapers? Can folks get beyond the reality that they

are food insecure to imagine a different life in which there might be some extra cash for

things that are not a necessity? Can they imagine a job with a livable wage? A career?

A college degree or certificate?

I know that many of our neighbors who visit the pantry do have dreams and hopes for

the future. I know that some succeed. Recently, I had a happy meeting with a young

Mom, who was hired by Aldi. I also know that some do not have dreams or hopes for a

better future. I know that most struggle every single month to pay rent, utilities,

transportation, and food.

Over the next weeks, we would like to share our neighbors’ stories. It is important that

we have an idea of the lives of those who live around us. Working at the food pantry

and talking to those who need rent or utility assistance is a gift that allows me to

understand a reality that is not mine. It motivates me to not only assure that the pantry

is well-stocked, but also to work for justice in creating a society that is focused on the

common good rather than on personal gain.

In July, we assisted 3,612 individuals in 808 households with food. We provided rent and utility assistance to 102 households.

We are so grateful for the outpouring of food and cash donations that came in response

to our invitation to create a Christmas in July. Please look at the summary flyer that will

be available in church this weekend and will be in the parish blog. It is a privilege for me

and the other volunteers at the pantry to do this work. We invite you to join us!

Ruth Ehresman

President of the St. Pius SVDP Conference